WREXHAM Council's tenants are being invited to have their say on reshaping the housing servicefor the future.

In March, 58% of the county's 9,722 tenants voted against moving ownership from the council to a newly-created independent housing association Tai Wrecsam.

Following the outcome of the vote on transferring the housing stock, the council now has to change the housing service to balance the books.

The council has a £1.3m shortfall in the money it has coming in this financial year (2004-2005).

A council spokesperson said: 'Both the council and tenants need some time to think this through and agree new structures, policies and procedures which reorganise the service in line with the views already expressed and in light of the money available.'

Councillors agreed to save money by raising rents by 3%, on top of a 5% already imposed for this year, and cutting 25 agency posts.

A series of meetings have been arrangedto enable tenants to get involved in helping to decide on the changes.

The first meeting was held last week with 85 tenants attending, including a large number of new tenants, who want to have their say when it comes to planning for the future.

A second meeting is planned for tonight (Thursday) at 7pm in the Function Suite at the Miners' Institute, Grosvenor Road, Wrexham, and tenants are urged to turn up and make their views known.

Chief Housing Officer Paul Calland said: 'We were very pleased with the first meeting last week. There was a lively, constructive debate which will help us make some very important decisions in the future.'

If you would like to attend the next meeting in the Miners' Institute, Grosvenor Road and require transport contact Michelle Berry on Wrexham 292938.